Joshua 1:14

Armed. Hebrew chamushim. Considerable question has arisen as to the meaning of this word. It appears in Exodus 13:18 as “harnessed” (“by five in a rank,” margin), in Joshua 4:12 as “armed,” and in Judges 7:11 as “armed” (“ranks by five,” margin). In a parallel passage (Numbers 32:17) the word appears as chushim, with the middle consonant m of chamushim omitted. This was probably a copyist’s error, for the word as it stands should be translated “haste” or “quick,” neither of which makes sense. English translations, therefore, follow the Septuagint and the Vulgate, which read “armed.” The Syriac reads, “We will conquer.” There seems to be no authority for translating chamushim as either “armed” or “harnessed.” It seems to refer to an orderly manner of marching (see on Exodus 13:18). Thus, the two and a half tribes were to proceed in an organized manner, submitting to the leadership of Joshua.

All the mighty men. That is, of the two and a half tribes. All must be ready and willing to go. According to chapter 4:13, only some 40,000 went over to battle. But there were about 110,580 from the two and a half tribes eligible for military service (Numbers 26:7, 18, 34). Thus, more than 70,000 must have remained behind to protect their families and flocks.